University of Arkansas to Students: in Case of Attack, Give a “Glance” or “Nod”

Although the Arkansas Legislature has approved of concealed gun carry on campus, most Arkansas universities have opted out, choosing to ban conceal carry – including UALR. The decision has already left students and faculty vulnerable – as a professor was assaulted by three teens off campus recently.

“I had not gone very far before I was attacked from behind by two of them and received a number of blows to the back of my head,” wrote the professor in an email. “Given the proximity to this campus and the fact that a number of our students, faculty and staff walk through this very same area on both a daily and nightly basis, I felt it prudent to share this info with you and to advise you to be on your guard while in the vicinity.”

Another faculty member answered the email, claiming a student had been attacked in the same area. But Sharon Houlette, a detective with the Department of Public Safety at UALR, offered some sage advice to avoid any future attacks:

“A glance or a nod will help you show anyone who might think that you are not paying attention, and you are aware of their presence.”

O-K.

Here’s a full list of tips from the UALR Department of Public Safety:

1. “Always pay attention to your surroundings.”
2. “Glance or a nod” which will “help you show anyone who might think that you are not paying attention, and you are aware of their presence.”
3. Attend a complimentary “Crime Prevention presentation or workshop!”
4. Park on campus and use the trolley service to get to class so as to reduce the potential attack time.